European Parliament Supports Recognition of Same-Sex Partnerships

No doubt the Nazi Pope, Benedict XVI, and some of the reactionary former Soviet satellite countries in Eastern Europe will not be pleased, but the European Parliament has issued a report that among other things takes the position that (1) relevant governing bodies in member countries must condemn anti-gay statements and actions and (2) insure equal treatment of gay couples across member countries. It is refreshing to see that some modern democracies recognize that for true freedom and liberty, all people should enjoy equal legal rights. Absent an about face in this country, under Obama, I see the USA falling further and further behind the many parts of the world both in terms of equality for its citizens and economic advancement. A country cannot prosper when an anti-knowledge mindset flourishes as under the Christianist/GOP model and a portion of the population is relegated to second class status. Here are some highlights on the EU report:

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MEPs have adopted a Report on the Situation of Fundamental Rights in the EU. Complied by the European Parliament's Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs, it contains recommendations on issues such as poverty, homelessness, xenophobia, the treatment of Roma people and the application of anti-discrimination laws throughout the EU.

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With regard to sexual orientation the report:
72. Takes the view that discriminatory comments against homosexuals by social and political leaders fuel hatred and violence, and calls on the relevant governing bodies to condemn them;

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73. Welcomes the publication of the first thematic report by the Fundamental Rights Agency, drawn up at Parliament’s request, on Homophobia and discrimination on grounds of sexual orientation in the EU Member States and asks to Member States and EU institutions to urgently follow the Agency's recommendations or state their reasons for not doing so;

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74. Reminds all Member States that, in line with European Court of Human Rights case-law, freedom of assembly may be exercised even if the opinions of those exercising that right go against the majority, and that, accordingly, a discriminatory ban on marches and any failure to meet the requirement to give appropriate protection to those taking part breach the principles guaranteed by the European Court of Human Rights, by Article 6 of the EU Treaty on common EU values and principles, and by the Charter;

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75. Calls on those Member States who have adopted legislation on same-sex partnerships to recognise provisions with similar effects adopted by other Member States; calls on those Member States to propose guidelines for mutual recognition of existing legislation between Member States in order to guarantee that the right of free movement within the European Union for same-sex couples applies under conditions equal to those applicable to heterosexual couples;

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76. Urges the Commission to submit proposals ensuring that Member States apply the principle of mutual recognition for homosexual couples, whether they are married or living in a registered civil partnership, in particular when they are exercising their right to free movement under EU law;

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77. Calls on those Member States who have not yet done so, and in application of the principle of equality, to take legislative action to overcome the discrimination experienced by some couples on the grounds of their sexual orientation;

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78. Calls on the Commission to make sure that Member States grant asylum to persons fleeing from persecution on the grounds of their sexual orientation in their country of origin, to take initiatives at the bilateral and multilateral level to stop the persecutions of persons on the basis of their sexual orientation, and to launch a study on the situation of trans-sexual people in the Member States and candidate countries, with regard inter alia to the risk of harassment and violence.

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The full report can be found here.